What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid?

When your vehicle begins to skid, the appropriate response is to steer in the direction you want to go. This technique helps to regain control of the vehicle. When skidding occurs, it often means that the tires have lost traction with the road. By steering into the skid, you allow the tires to realign with the direction of travel, which can help you regain traction and stabilize the vehicle.

If you were to steer in the opposite direction of the skid, it could worsen the situation, as the vehicle would continue to slide sideways. Braking hard could cause the wheels to lock, making it even more difficult to regain control and possibly resulting in a loss of steering capabilities. Turning off the ignition is not advisable since it would disable crucial systems of the vehicle, including power steering, making it harder to regain control.

Understanding the mechanics of skidding and how steering influences traction can significantly enhance safety during adverse driving conditions.